HC Deb 30 August 1886 vol 308 cc793-4
MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether any, and, if any, what special instructions have been given to the special Military Officer of high rank appointed to the command of the disturbed districts of Kerry and Clare, with a view to the prevention and detection of crime; whether, if no such special instructions have been given, he will act upon his own discretion, either as to the trial of prisoners, or the calling out of the Military; whether he will be permitted to summon whomsoever he pleases, and privately cross-examine such persons; whether he will have power to try by himself, or order the trial of, such or any other parties, either summarily or by court martial, and to convict them upon such evidence as may have been obtained by private cross-examination; whether he will have power to order the arrest of supposed offenders on suspicion, and without the sworn information of witnesses; whether the trial of persons so arrested will be conducted privately; and, if so, under what branch or rule of the Common or Statute Law; whether the Reports and communications he is to make to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant will be laid before Parliament; and, what special training he has received in the prevention and detection of crime, or the exercise of the functions of a civil magistrate?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)

As this matter concerns the Irish Government, I have been asked by my noble Friend to reply; and I have to say, in answer to the several clauses of this Question, that the Government consider that they have given to the House full and complete information as to the position which will be occupied and the authority which will be exercised by Sir Redvers Buller, and the Government have nothing to add to what has been already stated on these subjects.

MR. E. HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether Sir Redvers Buller, as is customary with all magnates sent down to this county, will take up his headquarters at the County Club, Tralee, and take his information from the local landlords?

[No reply.]

MR. CONYBEARE

I should like to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Attorney General for Ireland, whether he would be kind enough to answer the last part of the Question, as it will be in the recollection of the House that it has not any information upon it?

[No reply.]